Rowan Bowfell Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bowfell Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Bowfell is a knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 109.5 cm (43 inches) to 151 cm (59½ inches), offering a comfortable, relaxed fit across the size range. This is a classic pullover-style sweater constructed with a structured silhouette and professional finishing.

Construction Techniques

The Bowfell sweater is worked using the bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning the back, front, and sleeves are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then assembled together with seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and pattern control throughout the construction process.

The sweater features raglan armhole shaping, a classic tailoring technique where the armhole decreases slope diagonally from the underarm toward the neckline, creating a seamless visual line from shoulder to wrist. This shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked at regular intervals across multiple rows, resulting in a refined, fitted upper body.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bowfell incorporates a ribbed stitch pattern as the foundation for the garment's structure. The pattern is established with a repeating sequence of knit and purl stitches: P1, *K3, P1, rep from * to end. This creates vertical ribbing that provides elasticity, structure, and visual interest to the fabric. The ribbing is worked over the lower sections of the back and sleeves, typically measuring 6 cm in depth before transitioning to the main pattern repeat across the body and sleeves.

The main body and sleeves are worked in a stitch pattern referred to as "patt" throughout the instructions, which is maintained consistently across all shaping rows. This demonstrates advanced pattern work, as decreases and shaping are integrated seamlessly without disrupting the visual continuity of the design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Bowfell is designed to be knitted using Rowan Valley Tweed yarn, a premium wool blend. The pattern requires 9 to 12 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the chosen size, with the smallest sizes requiring 9 balls and the largest size requiring 12 balls. The yarn is photographed in the colorway Calluna 116, though other Valley Tweed shades are available for customization.

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles in different sizes to create the proper gauge and fabric structure. A 3mm (US 2/3) needle is used for casting on and working the ribbed sections, while a 3¾mm (US 5) needle is used for the main body and sleeve patterns. Additionally, a 3mm (US 2/3) circular needle no longer than 50 cm is required for finishing the neckband, allowing for seamless integration of this final element.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 31 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the stitch pattern using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to verify their personal tension matches the pattern requirements.

Design Details and Finishing

The front of the sweater is divided at the neckline, with each shoulder worked separately to create a shaped neck opening. The neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at both the raglan armhole edge and the neck edge simultaneously across multiple rows, creating a refined, fitted neckline. The pattern concludes with a final decrease row that reduces the remaining stitches to just 2, which are then fastened off securely.

The seamed construction method used throughout this pattern ensures clean, professional edges and allows for precise alignment of pattern repeats at seams. This approach is particularly effective for garments with complex shaping, as it provides greater control over the final fit and appearance of the finished sweater.